1. What is a Software Engineer at ADM?

At ADM (Archer Daniels Midland), the role of a Software Engineer—often titled within the organization as a Software Modernization Lead, Automation Engineer, or Controls Software Engineer—is fundamentally different from a typical SaaS development role. You are not just writing code; you are building the digital nervous system for one of the world’s largest agricultural processors. Your work directly impacts how we unlock the power of nature to provide nutrition worldwide.

In this position, you will likely be attached to critical initiatives like Program Aurora, ADM’s massive digital transformation and modernization effort. You will design, implement, and maintain the software that drives our industrial automation, process control systems (such as Emerson DeltaV and Rockwell PlantPAx), and data integration layers. Your code and architectures ensure that our facilities in locations like Decatur, IL, Des Moines, IA, and Columbus, NE operate with maximum reliability, safety, and efficiency.

This role sits at the intersection of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). You will solve complex problems involving legacy system migration, real-time data analytics, and industrial cybersecurity. If you are driven by high-stakes environments where software controls physical machinery and directly influences production yields and safety, this is a career-defining opportunity.

2. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

To succeed in ADM’s interview process, you must demonstrate technical excellence alongside a deep respect for industrial constraints. Preparation should focus on bridging the gap between modern software practices and industrial reliability.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

Industrial Software Proficiency – You must demonstrate expertise in the specific software ecosystems that run our plants. We evaluate your fluency in DCS (Distributed Control Systems), PLC logic, and SCADA architectures. We look for candidates who understand how software interacts with hardware in a real-time production environment.

Operational Reliability & Safety – In our industry, a bug doesn't just crash an app; it can stop a production line or create a safety hazard. Interviewers will assess your commitment to Process Safety Management (PSM) and your ability to write robust, fail-safe code. You must show that you prioritize safety and stability above all else.

Modernization & Integration Strategy – As we push Program Aurora, we need engineers who can modernize legacy systems without disrupting operations. We evaluate your ability to design migration strategies, integrate disparate systems using protocols like OPC UA or MQTT, and implement Industry 4.0 standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration – You will not work in a silo. You will collaborate with Process Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and plant operators. We assess your communication skills to ensure you can translate technical software concepts into practical operational solutions for non-technical stakeholders.

3. Interview Process Overview

The interview process at ADM is thorough and structured to assess both technical capability and cultural fit. It typically begins with a recruiter screen to verify your background and interest in the specific location (e.g., Decatur, Des Moines, or Erlanger). Following this, you will likely face a technical screen with a Hiring Manager or a Senior Engineer. This discussion will focus on your resume, specific project experiences, and your familiarity with industrial control platforms.

The final stage is a comprehensive onsite or virtual panel interview. You can expect a mix of technical deep dives—potentially involving system design scenarios—and behavioral questions based on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). ADM places a heavy emphasis on behavioral questions related to safety, conflict resolution, and project management. Expect to meet with cross-functional team members, including reliability engineers and operations leaders, who will evaluate how well you would fit into the plant environment.

This timeline represents a standard engagement for engineering roles at ADM. Note that for senior positions, such as Software Modernization Lead, the "Technical Deep Dive" phase may involve a presentation or a detailed discussion regarding a past complex project where you managed risk and technical debt.

4. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Use this section to structure your technical preparation. ADM interviews for software and automation roles delve deeply into the specific technologies that run our plants.

Industrial Automation & Control Software

This is the core of the role. You must demonstrate that you are not just a coder, but an automation expert.

Be ready to go over:

• Control Platforms: Deep knowledge of Emerson DeltaV, Rockwell PlantPAx, or similar DCS/PLC platforms.
• Logic & Programming: Structured Text, Ladder Logic, and Function Block Diagrams.
• HMI/SCADA Design: Principles of high-performance HMI design to ensure operators can react quickly to alarms.
• Advanced concepts: Strategies for Alarm Management (ISA 18.2) and handling obsolescence management for aging controllers.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a complex control loop failure. How did you isolate the software logic from the hardware fault?"
• "How do you approach designing a control narrative for a new unit operation?"

System Integration & Protocols

ADM facilities are complex ecosystems of connected devices. You will be tested on your ability to make different systems talk to each other.

Be ready to go over:

• Industrial Protocols: Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, and PROFINET.
• Data Integration: Connecting plant floor systems to Data Historians (like OSIsoft PI) and enterprise ERP systems.
• Cybersecurity: Understanding of IEC 62443 standards and how to secure industrial networks against threats.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "We are migrating a legacy PLC system to a modern DCS. Walk us through your data mapping and cutover strategy to minimize downtime."
• "How do you ensure data integrity when transmitting sensor data from the edge to the cloud?"

Project Management & Modernization

With initiatives like Program Aurora, we look for engineers who can lead change.

Be ready to go over:

• Lifecycle Management: Managing the software development lifecycle (SDLC) in an industrial context, including FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).
• Vendor Management: Coordinating with third-party integrators and holding them accountable to ADM standards.
• Risk Assessment: conducting risk assessments for software changes in a live production environment.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a project where the scope began to creep. How did you manage the technical requirements against the budget and timeline?"
• "How do you validate software changes before deploying them to a running plant?"

5. Key Responsibilities

Based on the Software Modernization Lead and engineering profiles at ADM, your day-to-day work will be dynamic and hands-on.

You will lead the software design and governance for automation projects. This involves defining technical requirements for software architecture and overseeing the code quality delivered by third-party vendors. You will act as the gatekeeper for ADM’s standards, ensuring that every line of code integrated into our systems is secure, documented, and reliable.

A significant portion of your time will be spent on modernization projects. You will plan and execute upgrades for legacy control systems, moving them to modern platforms like Emerson DeltaV or Rockwell PlantPAx. This requires close collaboration with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration. You will also be responsible for technical documentation, creating detailed functional descriptions and control narratives that serve as the blueprint for operations.

Finally, you will support operational reliability. This means you are the escalation point for complex software troubleshooting. You will analyze data to find root causes of downtime, develop maintenance programs for software systems, and mentor junior engineers to build technical depth within the team.

6. Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for a Software Engineer / Modernization Lead role at ADM, you need a specific blend of IT and OT skills.

• Must-have skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Computer, Electrical, or Controls).
  • Significant experience (often 7+ years for senior roles) in Industrial Automation.
  • Proficiency with DCS (Emerson DeltaV) and PLC (Rockwell/Allen Bradley) programming.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC UA).
  • Experience with HMI/SCADA development.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience with IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards.
  • Familiarity with data historians like OSIsoft PI.
  • Experience in Agile methodologies applied to industrial projects.

7. Common Interview Questions

Anticipate a mix of technical scenarios and behavioral questions focused on safety and leadership.

Technical & Domain Expertise

• "Explain the difference between a PLC and a DCS. When would you recommend one over the other for a new processing line?"
• "How do you approach alarm rationalization? What standards do you follow?"
• "Describe your experience with PID loop tuning. How do you handle a system with significant dead time?"
• "What is your process for conducting a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a software deliverable?"

Behavioral & Safety

• "Tell me about a time you spotted a safety issue in a design or on the plant floor. What did you do?"
• "Describe a situation where you had a disagreement with a plant operator or a project manager regarding a technical implementation. How did you resolve it?"
• "Have you ever made a mistake that caused operational downtime? How did you handle it and what did you learn?"

Modernization & Project Management

• "We are upgrading a 20-year-old control system. What are the first three risks you assess?"
• "How do you manage a vendor who is falling behind on software delivery?"
• "Describe a time you had to implement a new technology that the operations team was resistant to adopting."

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a remote role? Most engineering roles at ADM, especially those involving automation and plant systems, are on-site or have a strong on-site component. You need to be close to the physical equipment you are controlling. However, some "hybrid" flexibility may exist depending on the specific project phase.

Q: What is the dress code for interviews? Dress professionally (business casual to business). If your interview includes a plant tour, you will be required to wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which will be provided, but wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes (boots preferred if you have them).

Q: How technical will the coding questions be? You likely won't be asked to reverse a linked list on a whiteboard. Instead, you will be asked to write pseudocode for control logic, review a P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) to derive software requirements, or architect a data flow from a sensor to a server.

Q: What is "Program Aurora"? Program Aurora is ADM’s strategic initiative to modernize operations through automation and digital transformation. Mentioning your interest in contributing to this specific program shows you have done your homework and understand the company's strategic direction.

Q: How important is industry experience? For senior roles, industry experience (Food & Beverage, Oil & Gas, Pharma) is highly valued because it implies familiarity with regulatory standards and process safety. However, strong transferable skills from other automation sectors are also considered.

9. Other General Tips

Safety is Non-Negotiable: In every answer, prioritize safety. If a technical solution is efficient but unsafe, it is the wrong answer at ADM. Explicitly mention "Process Safety" and "Risk Mitigation" in your responses.

Know the "why" behind the code: ADM engineers solve business problems. Don't just talk about the code you wrote; talk about how it reduced waste, improved energy efficiency, or increased throughput. Connect your technical work to business outcomes like OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

Study the Location: ADM has major hubs in Decatur, IL, Erlanger, KY, and Des Moines, IA. Research the specific facility you are applying to. Knowing whether they process soy, corn, or specialty ingredients helps you tailor your questions.

Prepare for the "Why ADM?" question: Connect your answer to sustainability and the global food supply chain. ADM takes pride in "enriching the quality of life," and candidates who connect with this mission stand out.

10. Summary & Next Steps

The Software Engineer (Automation/Modernization) role at ADM is a critical position that offers the chance to work on large-scale, tangible technology. You are not just building software; you are engineering the systems that feed the world. The work is challenging, requiring a blend of high-level software architecture and ground-level operational grit.

To prepare, focus heavily on industrial control systems (DeltaV, PLCs), process safety, and system integration. Review your past projects and prepare STAR-format stories that highlight your ability to deliver reliable technical solutions in complex, physical environments. Walk into the interview ready to discuss how you can help ADM achieve its modernization goals under Program Aurora while maintaining the highest standards of safety and uptime.

The compensation data above reflects the broad range for engineering roles at ADM. Note that specialized roles like Software Modernization Lead or Senior Electrical Instrumentation Engineer often fall into the higher brackets ($100k - $195k) due to the specialized nature of the skill set and the high level of responsibility required. Base pay is typically supplemented by an annual bonus structure and a comprehensive benefits package focused on physical and financial wellness.

Good luck with your preparation! Explore more interview insights and resources on Dataford to ensure you are fully ready for your ADM interview.